SPOTLIGHT: October Empties...

What an interesting exercise! Haven't done this before, but it seems to be a popular theme with so many bloggers, so I decided to keep track of all the products I used up last month, and it was somewhat of an eye-opener (whoops!). Mind you I made a concerted effort to finish off anything that was almost done, so this volume is unlikely to be repeated anytime soon, but I'm delighted that I've cleared some space on my shelves to make room for more goodies lol. I've already reviewed quite a few of these, so will keep these comments reasonably short...

Palmolive Strawberry Bodypolish Exfoliating Body Wash

I used this up, but only because I have a thing about wasting stuff. As a rule, Palmolive does sensational fruity fragranced shower products, but they just can't get strawberry right. Doesn't smell real to me, in fact I found this to be quite cloying and almost chocolatey, didn't feel at all refreshed after my shower, and gave myself a pat on the back for finishing the bottle.

Repurchase? Nope...

Palmolive Acai Berry Bodypolish Exfoliating Body Wash

This one was considerably better than the strawberry, but not enough for me to buy it again. Can't say I'm familiar with the fragrance of Acai Berries, but this to me smells like stewed prunes lol.

Repurchase? No...

Imperial Leather Indulgence Rich Moisturising Body Wash - Citrus & White Gardenia, and Jasmine, Lychee & Peony
RAVE review here.
Repurchase? You betcha, already have ♥...

MOR Basil & Grape Hand & Body Wash
Another RAVE review here.
Repurchase? Would if I could, but I believe this has been discontinued - boo!...

MOR Marshmallow Hand & Body Wash

Reviewed here, delicious musk lolly fragrance, but interestingly I can only take it in small doses - it's just SO sweet.

Repurchase? Probably not, although I would buy the EDP or perfume oil again...

Neutrogena Oil-free Eye Make-Up Remover

One of my can't-live-withouts - nothing, repeat NOTHING, works as well as this beauty to take off five layers of waterproof mascara! I've tried so many, but there are simply none to compare.

Repurchase? Undoubtedly, in fact I always have at least two bottles in reserve in the cupboard ♥... 

L'Oreal Skin Perfection Gel-cream Wash
This is a lovely cleanser, gentle yet effective, soap free and fragrance free, barely any suds to get in your eyes, and non-drying.
Repurchase? No, but only because it's fragrance free - I'm a scentophile and I got bored with it...

Lacura Micellar Cleansing Water 3 in 1
I really liked this - sort of a Micellar water with benefits. Purists won't be happy because it has additional ingredients (cucumber extract) that take it half way into "toner" territory, but nowhere near as harsh as even the gentlest traditional toner. Very refreshing and with some additional cleansing oomph, it also has that Lacura fragrance that people either love or hate.
Repurchase? Would if I could, but I haven't seen it since - the eternal Aldi availability problem...

Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towlettes

Another of my can't-live-withouts - I use these to clean my brushes every day. I fold the cloth into four then rub the brushes onto the pad and keep rubbing them back and forwards till they're clean, then swipe them on a dry towel to remove any residue. They're amazingly effective and my brushes last longer by not being in water. They're also terrific for cleaning the sticky stuff off products before photographing them, as well as getting the marks off my bench.

Repurchase? Absolutely - like the eye make-up remover I always have at least two spare packs stashed away ♥...

Dove Original stick deodorant
Another must-have - this has been my go-to anti-perspirant for over five years, despite trying a whole stack of others. I don't like sprays (I always seem to breathe them in lol) or roll-ons (too sticky and wet), love the powdery fragrance and it keeps me dry and fresh all day.
Repurchase? Yep, always a spare in my drawer, and one at work...

Colgate Optus White Toothpaste
I alternate between the Express White and the Enamel White, whichever is on special. This toothpaste does make a difference, keeps my tea stains from settling in, and I like the taste.
Repurchase? Definitely, there are THREE spare tubes in my bathroom cabinet lol...

Elucent Whitening Day Moisturiser
Briefly touched on this beautiful day cream here - will write a proper review soon, this has lasted me over five months, I think it's because the pump delivers the exact amount so there's zero waste. Light and non-greasy but with SPF30, my face loves this stuff.
Repurchase? Certainly - I have three other day creams to trial first, but will definitely be getting this one again, suits my skin perfectly...

NeoStrata Targeted Bionic Face Serum
Beautiful serum and a hydrating treat for my skin - can't say I've noticed any startling improvements in the anti-aging department, but of the reviews I've read of any NeoStrata products, the raves come from the folks that have been using them for years so I guess these are "long-termers".
Repurchase? Would definitely give this a much longer time frame to show some benefits, and will order some more once I get through the other two serums I have in the wings...

NeoStrata Skin Active Intensive Eye Therapy
My latest fave eye cream - had a fit when it ran out the other night! Crows feet can only be seen when I smile, droopy lids have firmed a little and the minor discolourations have evened out. It has the edge over my previous fave, Clarins Super Restorative Total Eye Concentrate...
Repurchase? Sure have, just waiting for my order to arrive (hurry up Aust Post!)

Britney Spears Midnight Fantasy EDP
Of her range, this is the one I love the most - has lasted me 12 months, but I've been sparing with it so it would be around for as long as possible, review here.
Repurchase? Yes - just treated myself to a 100ml bottle...

Crabtree & Evelyn Hand Therapy - Evelyn Rose
Gorgeous hand cream - this came in my Blogstar prize almost two years ago. I have at least three on the go at any one time, which is why this has lasted so well. Deliciously moisturising, keeps my cuticles soft too, smells exactly like garden roses. Don't like the way the metal tube looks ratty even after the first use.
Repurchase? No, but only because I'm not so keen on the rose fragrance, would try another flavour...

L'Occitane Shea Butter Dry Skin Hand Cream
Well now who doesn't love this hand cream? Treated myself to this giant tube after scoring half a dozen travel sized ones from magazine covers. Been slathering it on as a treatment at night and reaping the soft-skin rewards the next day. But, I don't like the smell or the metal tube (see above) - yeah, I know, I'm hard to please.
Repurchase? Probably not as fragrance is becoming an even more important factor in my repurchase habits as I get older - I want to ADORE the whole experience, and I've found one I love more (here)...

Urban Rituelle Organic Hand Cream - Vanilla, Lavender & Geranium
UR hand creams are my absolute favourites - all of them are a feast for the senses, and they keep my hands soft and free of dry cracks and reddened knuckles. This little tube was actually a free gift with one of my orders. My rave review of it is here.
Repurchase? Probably not, but only because I still have two tubes in my drawer, and they keep coming out with more stunning fragrances to try - dilemma!...

Well that's what I tossed last month - this was a mammoth post, and if you're still here, congratulations!

Do you keep tabs on what you use up?

Take care of you,

kats xxx